Sanibel Island is all about getting back to nature and enjoying the simple things. What better way to do that then to get in tune with your surroundings? Here are a variety of hiking trails to help you do just that.
Shipley Trail
- This trail runs through part of the Bailey Homestead Preserve and connects Pond Apple Park to Roadside City Park. You can start at Pond Apple Park, which begins behind the Chamber of Commerce on Causeway Boulevard, or you can access the Shipley Trail at 1300 Periwinkle Way.
Periwinkle Preserve
- This trail takes you through a tropical hardwood hammock. For a treat, you may see some migratory songbirds. This trail is off Periwinkle Way across from Sanibel Community Church.
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation – Nature Center
- There are four miles of trails to choose from, so why not try them all? The Nature Center is at 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road.
Bob Wigley Preserve
- Named after a beloved islander, the Bob Wigley Preserve boasts 27 acres and two short trails. One leads to a soothing overlook of the Sanibel River and the other leads to a gazebo where you can stop and have a picnic, or just hang out. This trail can be accessed from Casa Ybel Road near Periwinkle Way.
Indigo Trail at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
- Access this trail from the refuge’s visitor center. The four-mile roundtrip trail gives you a chance to see some of the island’s wildlife. Look out for herons, alligators and white ibis. You’ll find the Indigo Trail at 1 Wildlife Drive.
Calusa Shell Mound Trail at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
- Check out ancient Florida and get a glimpse into Calusa Indian history! This trail circles around a historic shell mound and is a quarter-mile long with a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk near the end of Wildlife Drive.
Pond Apple Trail
- You’ll find this trail on the left rear side of the Chamber of Commerce parking lot. It’s 1.6 miles and will give you a chance to see some of the area’s wildlife. This trail connects to the Shipley Trail, which runs through the Bailey Homestead property, if you’d like a longer hike through the wilds of Sanibel. The trail starts at 1159 Causeway Boulevard.
